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Chris Janson Will Be the Newest Grand Ole Opry Inductee

Bobby Moore

Chris Jansonreceived a potentially life-defining surprise on Monday night (Feb. 5) during a sold-out performance at the Ryman Auditorium.

After Janson sang a cover of John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold” withKeith Urban, the latter stuck around to announce that his friend and peer will soon join him as an Opry member. “I know the feeling of the night I got invited,” Urban says. “It’s an incredible feeling. I think it’s about time that you feel that way too, Chris.”

During Urban’s announcement, someone brought out the familiar WSM mic stand, representing the high-frequency radio station behind the Opry’s storied success. Per a Twitter post by the Opry, Janson’s proper induction comes sometime in the spring.

Janson literally could not stand still following the surprise announcement. Say what you will about his brand of pop-country, but clearly he cherished the opportunity to bask in those famed footlights. The jubilation in his every movement visually captures the strong feelings described by Urban.

Janson first rose to prominence in Nashville as a songwriter. Tim McGraw’s tongue-in-cheek 2012 single “Truck Yeah” defined Janson’s career up to that point. His self-released single “Buy Me a Boat” got enough attention in 2015 to catch Warner Brothers Nashville’s attention. From there, he gained a reputation with light-hearted, upbeat songs and an equally energetic stage show.